Pair of Ercole Barovier “Feather” Murano Glass Sconces for Barovier & Toso, 1971

A beautiful and rare pair of Murano glass wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in 1971. Elegant, sculptural and highly atmospheric, these lights perfectly express the refined decorative language of Barovier’s late production, where the material richness of Murano glass becomes both structure and ornament.

Each sconce is composed of a tall, gently curved glass diffuser shaped like a stylized feather. The form is slender and vertical, with a soft upward movement and a slightly open profile that gives the pieces a graceful, almost floating presence. Despite their delicate appearance, the glass is thick, substantial and beautifully worked, giving the sconces an important material quality.

The surface of the Murano glass is richly textured, with diagonal relief lines, small irregular impressions and a luminous crystalline structure that catches and breaks the light in every direction. The glass appears almost frozen in motion, somewhere between a feather, a leaf and a fragment of ice. This contrast between lightness of form and density of material is one of the most fascinating aspects of the design.

A particularly precious detail is the warm golden decoration incorporated within the inner vertical section of the glass. These golden accents seem suspended inside the diffuser, adding depth, warmth and a subtle jewel-like quality. When illuminated, the gold comes alive from within, glowing softly through the clear textured glass and creating a refined contrast between transparency and warmth.

The brass mounting is equally elegant. Each sconce is supported by a discreet round wall plate and a refined horizontal brass arm, ending in a distinctive ring-shaped mounting detail that embraces the lower part of the glass diffuser. This circular element is not only functional, but also gives the composition a strong architectural balance. Below, a cylindrical glass terminal extends downward, adding a final vertical accent and completing the silhouette with great refinement.

When lit, the sconces create a remarkable atmosphere. The textured glass refracts the light into delicate patterns on the wall, while the golden internal decoration produces a warm, sophisticated glow. Their slim proportions and important height make them ideal for framing a mirror, console, doorway, bed or architectural feature, while their sculptural quality allows them to stand alone as luminous Murano objects.

An exceptional pair of 1971 Italian wall lights, combining Ercole Barovier’s mastery of glass texture, proportion and decorative detail with the timeless craftsmanship of Barovier & Toso.